Guwahati: Assam will be linked to the National Gas Grid by the end of the year, GAIL India Limited has said at the Gas Conclave held on September 27 (Wednesday) in Guwahati. 

The Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline will supply gas to Guwahati by the end of 2023, according to a GAIL India spokesperson. This will gradually allow producers, importers, and end consumers of natural gas to link in a seamless way, serving all eight states in the Northeast.

The 726-km Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline from Barauni in Bihar to Guwahati in Assam via West Bengal is an extension of the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, commonly known as Pradhan Mantra Urja Ganga, and has been designed to take fuel to hitherto unconnected eastern states.

Once GAIL connects Guwahati, the next step is to connect Assam and other states through the North East Gas Grid (NEGG) implemented by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).

A one-day brainstorming event called the Gas Conclave was organized in Guwahati by the Department of Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprises of the Government of Assam to debate the advantages and disadvantages of using natural gas.

The nation's oil and gas sector has benefited from Assam's innovative efforts, according to industries and commerce minister Bimal Borah. Gas Conclave 2023 is in line with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's ambition to make Assam one of the top five industrial states and the preferred investment destination in the country. 

Bora emphasized that Assam has substantial natural gas reserves, allowing it to operate its economy fully on this sustainable and clean fuel. In this context, he emphasized the growing cooperation between the numerous participants in the whole natural gas value chain.

With Digboi Refinery retaining the distinction of being the second-oldest refinery in the world and Asia, Assam is renowned for its long history in the petroleum and natural gas industries.

The state continues to play a significant role in the overall productivity of the country, Borah continued.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hydro-carbon Vision 2030 for North-East India has also created significant opportunities for natural gas-based economic growth. According to Borah, this inspiring project entails connecting Assam and the whole North-East area to the National Gas Grid.

The conclave presents an important opportunity for Assam to shape its energy future, promote sustainable development, and effectively collaborate across the natural gas supply chain for a greener and more prosperous future, Borah urged participants.

The goal of the Conclave was to bring together important industry players from Assam, including producers, transporters, distributors, end-users, and regulatory bodies. It acts as a platform for discussing important facets of the use of natural gas, encouraging openness, cooperation, and well-informed choices. In order to maximize resource allocation, spur market expansion, and entice potential investors, participants will also discuss obstacles and possibilities while stressing natural gas's position as a sustainable alternative energy source.

Given that almost all of Assam's districts are served by city gas distribution and that more pipelines are being laid by IGGL and others, Borah said, the state government has decided to develop an action plan for 2030 to develop a gas-based economy in Assam that would increase employment opportunities and reduce pollution. 

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